Chapter 126: Fourteenth Episode: Chapter 8 (1/2)
Chapter 126: Fourteenth Episode: Chapter 8
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
It seemed that O'Neil Andrew Morisette has fallen into a frightening, vicious circle. His cruel massacre has become the burden of the two assassins. Paul and Black Devil were not only responsible for disposing of the bodies but also to clear up the scene of the murder. When His Imperial Highness Prince was devouring bread from the house of the deceased, every bite he took felt like he was choking on the unspoken condemnation of his friends.
One week? Two? Time was distorted! Two kilometers? Three? The distance traveled seemed to have completely slipped his memory. O'Neil Andrew Morisette only had a vague idea of what he has done and what he was about to do. He was like a wounded wild wolf with a mild fever, hiding in dark corners where even mice dare not venture to, using his razor-sharp teeth and iron claws to gauge the diameter of his prey's neck.
Paul has not spoken in quite a while. He was lazy to respond to Shaw Curlink and more so found it beneath himself to converse with the prince. He kept bashing himself for letting Aya go off alone. Complaining was not something that Paul usually did. Perhaps... Aya could hang on! But... To evade the patrolling soldiers, he has not eaten a single thing for a few continuous days. Paul never dared to raise a fire in the wild nor enter towns and villages! The Deiss seemed to have mobilized the whole nation. Around-the-clock sentry points were set up in each village, standing armies patrolled back and forth at every intersection and every road. The situation became bleaker towards the South! Could it be that all this was for the three fugitives?
Shaw was concealed in the bush. His line of vision slowly dimmed as the veil of darkness descended, but he still stared unblinkingly at the three-story building at the outskirts of the tiny village. If the prince was adamant in his stand, then the master of the little building was about to suffer an unfortunate fate.
The starry sky cast a faint glow on the ground. The wild rattan on the fence has become withered, dried twigs. The dry twigs grew along the fence towards the courtyard and finally crept onto an emaciated banyan.
Oscar lit up a tinder underneath his cloak and through the dim light of the candle, scoured the map attentively. To be exact, this was a tourist map torn off from a travel booklet, so His Highness Prince only stared at it briefly before placing it down.
The candle died out and Oscar removed his cloak, took in a breath of fresh air and shot a meaningful glance at the Black Devil.
”Hey! I still don't know where this place is.”
Shaw went forward, ”The map doesn't indicate?”
Oscar spat quietly, ”No! There is nothing on it. I better not find out which scumbag drew such a useless thing.”
Shaw shrugged, not dropping any comments. These days he has seen enough. When His Highness killed, he had no principles and no clear objective, exuding only an emotion that was difficult to comprehend. Just how long would this emotion influence him?
”Shhh...” Paul suddenly made a gesture to hide! Oscar and Black Devil swiftly crouched down on the footpath covered with withered grass.
The sound of horse hooves approached and the hurried sound gradually eased into a steady trot as they stepped onto the pavement of the village. The arrival of the four knights startled the villagers who were sound asleep and lights flared up one after another in the households by the roadside. The master of the three-story villa lighted a candle and two burly men with kerosene lamp and weapons in hand exited the entrance of the villa. They greeted the knights loudly in the Deiss language.
”Need any help?”
”Yes please!” The leader of the knights guided his horse forwards. He noticed that the master of the building possessed the most luxurious establishment in the village. ”Respected sir, we have returned from the Front Lines. Look, our horses are already weary, unable to travel any further. If it is for your convenience, I will like to...”
”Of course!” The male owner cut off the knight's words. He guided the reins for the knight, ”Warriors who return from the Front Lines will receive hospitality from everyone, that includes me.”
”That's too kind of you! We don't need much, just a warm meal and a bed!” The knight jumped off his horse and held the master's hand.
”Will do! Be sure of that! Red wine, onion roast beef! A clean bed and warm shower; I guarantee you that the Front Lines have never received such privilege!” The male host displayed his virtue towards the soldiers of the Kingdom's military.
”Front Lines?” Paul, who was concealed in the underbrush, frowned. He apparently understood the situation now. The Deiss have come across tremendous trouble. It was no wonder they sealed off the Southern territories like iron barrels.
”Red wine, onion roasted beef?” Oscar's eyes were evidently gleaming. The things that he and Paul were concerned of were two totally different matters. ”Shaw, we must get rid of them!”
Shaw's eyes darted between the young prince who issued his order and Paul who was taciturn. Paul gave a faint smile. This time he was not conflicted, after all, certain things have to be straightened.
***************
”But... The crucial point is that we are unsure!” Pierremore Andrew Nedgabel looked at the family's Commander-in-chief worriedly.
”Although I'm aware that the atmosphere in Dulin is downright bizarre, the dispatchers of the Family's Military Department didn't inform me at all! It seems that an operation will be underway, but I have no idea what is it for! Could it be... That you are uninformed as well?” As the Ministry of Senior Nobility's top spokesperson for the Andrew Family in the Empire, Pierremore has grasped the power structure of the capital accurately. However, only the matter this time had him floundering.
”Pamore!” Dortmund placed his coffee down. His shot his gaze towards the dim light in the hidden chamber. ”Are you doing well in Dulin?”
”Why do you suddenly ask this?” Pierremore eyed his younger cousin.
Dortmund waved his hand, ”No other reason, you need not worry. I merely want to know how you are doing recently.”
Pierremore spread his hands, ”Then let me be direct! I can't stand one second longer in Dulin, this wretched place! You know? The daily routine of the Ministry of Senior nobility is to shirk responsibilities, hurl abuses at each other and find fault among themselves. I will have my life shortened by hanging with those elders who are like the mentally ill.”
”In other words... You are dissatisfied with the mission the family has entrusted unto you...” Dortmund surmised while stopping his older cousin who was about to refute, ”Let me finish. Another possibility is... You don't enjoy it, but still carry out your job earnestly.”
Pierremore's mouth trembled and he nodded slowly, ”It is like that! But I never understood why you initially chose me as the Family's representative?”
”Because you deserve to be trusted! The Ministry of Senior Nobility is a powerful department that has drifted away from the Imperial power. The family needs a loyal, astute spokesperson such as you to influence the decision-making of this department.” Duke Andrew bored into his older cousin's eyes but averted them instantly.
”But...Pamore, honestly, you have disappointed me!”
Pierremore Andrew Nedgabel's face drained of color! He eyed the Family's Commander-in-chief dubiously!
”Why... Why do you say that?”
”You yourself should be extremely clear about that!” Dortmund flicked his gaze over at him with slight contempt, ”My eldest son has been hiding in the villa in the outskirts for quite some time now. How long do you think you can cover this up?”
Pierremore squirmed restlessly in his seat. He couldn't make sense of it; no one should know of that!
”Why? Do you not intend to explain yourself to me?” Duke Andrew stood up from his seat, strode over to stand behind his cousin and said these while patting Pamore's shoulder.
Pierremore twisted his head around and saw only the elder's hand grasping the hilt of a sword.
”Dortmund! You are mistaken! You have been mistaken from the very start!” Pamore, at last, decided to come clean. He felt there was no need to cover up anything any longer.
”Oh?” Duke Dortmund exclaimed gently.
”O'Neil Andrew Morisette can only bring chaos and destruction to the family!” Pierremore Andrew Nedgabel whirled around in agitation. ”He is the top member of the Imperial Household. You and the elders of the family who are backing this child are far away in Narcissus County and can't fathom this child's temperament and capability! I have been observing for an extended time in Dulin! He is undisputedly dangerous! His ultimate unity with the Imperial household will not only taint the family's bloodline but will, as a matter of fact, reverse the nature of the family's military.”
”These all I know!” Dortmund unexpectedly nodded, ”You are absolutely right! If my little Oscar really succeeds as the family head, then the bloodline problem and issue of belonging he caused will become the Achilles' heel of the family.”
”Then... Then why do you still allow him to carry on? Pierremore was utterly astounded.
”Because... Be it the family's conservative faction or radical factions, I only regard them as shortsighted waste!” Duke Andrew's hand finally slid away from the sword hilt and he returned to his seat.
”Pamore, you know? Everyone always views an issue with prejudice! Unless it is the God of Light, otherwise, no one can be impartially just! The issue of my young son is as such!” Dortmund gave the family's top spokesperson of the capital a profound look.
”Conservative faction, hehe! My eldest son is fond of theology and passionate about tradition. He dislikes change and detests everything that is brought on by the change. But in reality? Three figures who call themselves kings have already emerged in the Persian Empire. They are at war with each other and the collapse of this great Empire is inevitable. We are on the verge of losing our battle targets of the past four hundred years. If we don't alter the current situation of our family's military, then what path are we to take?”
”Secondly, the radical faction! Pamore, don't tell me that you didn't know Berkley plotted plenty of successful secret wars. Some were directed against the Empire's military, some against the Noble Elders who have voted in opposition to issues regarding the Andrews! Pamore, you have been delivering news from the upper class to Berkley in Dulin all the while. You can say that he owes you half the credit for the actions he managed to carry out! But have you ever considered; unless the Andrews can build a nation independently, otherwise everything you both have done will be for naught. Don't forget, independence is something impossible! The pledge of loyalty to the Imperial Household is carved into the intel of the family's Holy Church. This pledge is equivalent to breaking off all ties with the world! I believe that if the Andrews really achieve independence one day, then the Imperial Household of Morisette will gather all the religious nations and begin a crusade against the Andrews!”
”Our knights can defeat them!” Pierremore retorted stubbornly.
”So what if they defeat them?” Dortmund sniggered, ”Even if we defeat all our foes, the Andrews will forever be branded as traitors! The God-chosen warriors will be scorned by everyone as sinners who committed treason. Those who were once friends will become foes, former neighbors will become ferocious beasts who will strike at us ceaselessly! If this is the radical faction's plan of progress, then I must say that these rascals have chosen a road of no return!”
Pierremore was taciturn. He was uncertain whether he was more inclined towards the radicals, or towards the conservative faction. He just refused to let the Imperial Household exploit that young man and rob Andrew of their honor and belief just like that, nor let them attain an opportunity to meddle in Andrew's affairs legally.
”Pamore! Actually what I mentioned is not the main point!” Dortmund resumed his elaboration, ”I can practically guess how my eldest son struck up an agreement with Berkley! But one of the main things would be on how to destroy our young prince. Both the factions can only distribute the family's benefits once his threats have ceased. But... If I am still alive, their goals can't be achieved, so...”
”Hold on!” Pierremore was suddenly startled from his reverie, ”There is absolutely no such thing! The defending force Uncle Berkley posted in the capital is entirely to ensure your safety. This I can guarantee with my life! You are the family's head, no one...”
”Wait for a minute now!” Dortmund shook his head, ”It seems that I have chosen the wrong person! Pamore, how can you trust Berkley's excuses? If I am still alive, how will the conservative and radical factions distribute the benefits? Isn't this just clear-cut? They need to completely eliminate all the obstacles before them, only then can they put in place their stand! It seems that now that obstacle includes my young son whose fate is unknown, and me!”
”The stand of the conservative faction... and the radical factions are opposing!” Pierremore mumbled to himself.
”That's right! You finally figured it out!” Dortmund nodded, ”So... Think when the threat created by the Imperial Household and the deterrence from the family elders no longer exists when the conflicting administration strategies of the conservative and radical factions are unable to achieve a compromise, what will happen then?”
”A purge! A civil war! Until... Until one perishes!” Pierremore deduced while covering his face with his hands.
Dortmund gave a faint smile, ”Then... Tell me everything you know!”
Pierremore lifted his head. He knew why he was such at a loss when he arranged everything! The Andrews, who were about to lose their battle target, was so lost! The Andrews became paranoid, irascible! Their spirit and thoughts have plunged into a fear that they have yet to experience before. If the threat of the Persians really ceased to exist, then every Andrew will question what should they do next? The conservative and radical factions have paved two options, but both can't be carried out! Why was it like that?
Pierremore heaved a heavy sigh. Either way, his younger cousin was the true commander-in-chief. As of now, he could only strive hard to defend the commander-in-chief's status.
***************
”It... It's like this!”
Oscar struck the leader of the knights with a heavy blow, ”Don't waste my time, spill it!”
The leader of the knight moaned, knowing that his ribs were definitely broken. ”The Titans... Launched their attack on the 31st of October and relying on the advantage of their military strength, they broke through fairly quickly...”
”No one wants to listen to this!” Oscar again broke off the knight's words with a heavy blow. He watched with satisfaction as his opponent fell limp like a maggot onto the ground. ”Tell me! Where can the Titan army be found!”
”Head... Head Southeast... Walk another sixty over kilometers. There... There it is the actual area within the control of the Titans!” The knight offered while spitting out blood.
”Now wasn't that simple!” Oscar flung the battered knight aside and kicked over the master who was maintaining his sitting position. The corpse of the master made a dull thud as it fell onto the ground. The women and children who were cowering in a corner of the house let out quiet sobs.
”Ola! Red wine onion roast beef!” The young prince assumed the seat of the deceased and took his plate and food as his own. Head sixty over kilometers Southeast and he can escape his situation! This news was music to his ears! But Oscar could not find a reason to rejoice at all. He didn't know what was up with himself, feeling as if there was a pending decision that kept pestering his thoughts.
Among the four Deiss Kingdom's military knights, only two were still gasping for breath. They watched in alarm as three devils barged into the room. They had no idea how those men made their way into the villa and couldn't make head or tails of how they were subdued in a split second.
Paul's lean face was reflecting the blaze from the fireplace. He settled on the sofa with the women and two children of the villa by his side. The King of Assassins checked through the documents brought by the Deiss knights while flicking his gaze towards the survivors every once in a while.
Black Devil was leaning against the windowsill, his position allowing him to conduct surveillance on the outside and respond swiftly to anything that was happening inside the room.
Paul's attention paused over a few files that had red words engraved on it. They were concealed meticulously by the knights and were apparently exceptionally important. The King of Assassins didn't understand the language of the Deiss. He gazed at young Oscar who was digging into the food ravenously and couldn't help but sigh heavily.
”You should look at this!”
Oscar snapped his head around, astonished. In the past one or two weeks, this was the first time Paul spoke to him.
The prince took the files and affirmed that what he was looking at was the war report issued by the Deiss Front Line Command Board to the rear. There was a brief lapse and Oscar scowled, his face exuding a dangerous air.
”It seems that someone has lied to us!” The prince rose from his seat and strode towards the Deiss knight lying on the ground. ”Walk sixty over kilometers Southeast! By then we will plunge headlong into the arms of the Deiss army.
Paul and Black Devil slunk forwards vigilantly. They knew that the young prince was about to commit something unforgivable. Paul blocked the line of vision of the children and women while Black Devil planted himself firmly beside the other surviving knight.
”Go to hell, pig of Titan!” The eyes of the leader no longer radiated fear. His scheme has fallen through and there was no reason to yield.
Oscar ducked away as his opponent spat at him. He closed his hand around the leader of the knights' neck and tightened his grip little by little. The other knight was struggling by Black Devil's feet, apparently wanting to take some action. However, Shaw Curlink preferred ending things clean and with a swipe of his dagger, he ended his opponent's life.
The young prince once again returned to his seat and kept the war report in his arms. It seemed there was a change in the situation. It was absolutely impossible to head Southeast for the Deiss have deployed tens of thousands in military strength. So... They could only take a detour around the border of the battlefield!
Oscar tilted the teapot fretfully, but the tea in it has gone cold. The prince snapped his head towards the mistress of the villa in annoyance. The mistress took both the children into her arms as if she was holding on to her everything.
The prince had an episode of Déjà vu as his mother once held him tightly like this, but thereafter, no one else ever did that again. Unfathomable anger that had welled up in him dissipated gradually, replaced by regret and sorrow. Oscar was convinced he would never remember his trip to Deiss, having barely made any gains but having lost his most treasured thing!
”Don't tell me... Your house doesn't have an attendant?” Oscar held up the teapot for the mistress. This household should have an attendant whom they could order around!
The mistress didn't answer but embraced her children even more tightly, her eyes evading his!
”This is bad!” Paul blamed himself inwardly. He should have found out about the villa's crew beforehand.
”There's someone!” Black Devil streaked towards the window and assessed the situation from the small slit of the curtains.
Apparently, a female dressed in attendant attire was proclaiming something loudly to the assembled villagers.
”We need to leave!” Oscar gave a bitter smile. He swept bread and easy-to-carry assortments of meat into his arms.
Just when they were exiting, the prince suddenly pulled on Paul's arm and gazed into his old friend's eyes.
”Can't you forgive me?”